Enhanced ultrasound detection with temperature-dependent contrast agents

Abstract

Methods and devices for enhanced ultrasound detection based upon changing temperature and ultrasound reflectivity of a temperature-dependent contrast agent bound to an ultrasound target are disclosed. The methods and devices can be used for enhanced imaging alone or in conjunction with drug delivery, with therapeutic approaches such as hyperthermia or cryotherapy or with other imaging modalities.

1 - 53 . (canceled)  
     
     
         54 . A device for measuring changes in temperature of a target having a temperature-sensitive acoustic imaging substance bound thereto, the device comprising a component configured to change the temperature of the acoustic imaging substance, an ultrasound source configured to transmit acoustic energy to the target, an ultrasound detecting component configured to measure acoustic reflectivity of the surface and a comparator which determines acoustic reflectivity of the target upon changing temperature relative to acoustic reflectivity of the target in absence of changing temperature.  
     
     
         55 . The device according to  claim 54  wherein the comparator determines difference in acoustic reflectivity of the target prior to and after changing temperature of the acoustic imaging substance bound to the target.  
     
     
         56 . The device according to  claim 55  wherein the comparator determines the difference in acoustic reflectivity of the target upon changing temperature of the acoustic imaging substance bound to the target, compared to acoustic reflectivity of the target after the changed temperature of the acoustic imaging substance bound to the target is diminished.  
     
     
         57 . The device according to  claim 54  wherein the ultrasound source and the ultrasound imaging component comprise at least one ultrasonic transducer.  
     
     
         58 . The device according to  claim 54  wherein the component configured to change the temperature of the acoustic imaging substance comprises an energy source.  
     
     
         59 . The device according to  claim 58  wherein the energy [sic] source produces ultrasound, shortwave, microwave, magnetic radiation, electromagnetic energy or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         60 . The device according to  claim 59  wherein the energy source is an ultrasound energy source having an intensity of greater than 0.1 W/cm 2  and less than 2000 W/cm 2 .  
     
     
         61 . The device according to  claim 54  wherein the component configured to change the temperature of the acoustic imaging substance is an energy absorber.  
     
     
         62 . The device according to  claim 61  wherein the energy absorber comprises a cryogenic probe.  
     
     
         63 . The device according to  claim 54  wherein the component configured to change the temperature of the acoustic imaging substance is configured to change the temperature of the bound substance by at least 5° C.  
     
     
         64 . The device according to  claim 54  wherein the comparator is configured to produce an image comprising the difference in acoustic reflectivity of the surface prior to and after increasing temperature of the acoustic imaging substance.  
     
     
         65 . The device according to  claim 64  wherein the comparator is configured to produce a colorized image comprising the difference in acoustic reflectivity of the surface prior to and after increasing temperature of the acoustic imaging substance.  
     
     
         66 . The device according to  claim 54  further comprising a component configured to perform magnetic resonance imaging, electron spin resonance imaging, spectroscopic imaging, positron emission tomography imaging, optical imaging, x-ray imaging nuclear medicine imaging or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         67 . The method according to  claim 66  wherein the spectroscopic imaging comprises nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging or a raman spectroscopy imaging.